Stress Echocardiography

Stress Echocardiography

Nov 06, 2019

A stress echo (treadmill) is a combination of an echocardiogram and a treadmill exercise stress test. This test compares how your heart muscle contracts at rest and then immediately following exercise. It can show if certain areas of the heart muscle are not getting enough oxygen-rich blood, as well as identify cardiac causes of breathlessness and blackouts.

The stress echo test takes approximately 30 minutes to complete and is conducted in three parts:

A limited baseline echo cardiogram (cardiac ultrasound) is performed with the focus on cardiac function and cardiac problems which can contribute to breathlessness (eg valvular problems, build up of pressure within the heart).

A treadmill exercise stress test is then performed under direct supervision of a Cardiologist.

ECG electrodes are attached across your chest to monitor your heart throughout the test. A blood pressure cuff is applied to your arm to monitor your blood pressure.

The treadmill test starts slow and increases in incline and speed every 3 minutes. The exercise is generally patient symptom limited, which means we will continue to make the stress harder until you decide you need to stop, which is usually because of shortness of breath or leg ache. A stress test is the safest environment to push yourself physically as you are closely monitored under the supervision of a very experienced cardiologist. When you say so, the treadmill is stopped and you move quickly over to the bed.

Immediately after exercise more echo images of the heart are rapidly acquired over 60-90 seconds. You will then be monitored in a recovery phase for ~ 5 minutes.

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STEPS TO PREVENT SPREAD OF COVID-19

Thank you to all our patients who have attended our practice so far during the Covid-19 pandemic began. Your understanding and cooperation with new procedures we have in place to protect us all and ensure we comply with government guidelines is very much appreciated.

When attending our rooms you will notice changes such as reduced seating in our waiting room, distancing markings on the floor, protective screens, increased signage on our doors and walls and staff using protective clothing and equipment. Whilst this may seem overwhelming to some, the purpose is for your safety and that of our staff. Please be assured though that our team remain dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and cardiac care.

It is important not to neglect your cardiac health during this crisis and we remain committed to providing all of our usual services.

If you have symptoms of fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, shortness of breath, muscle soreness, loss of sense of smell and taste- we advise you contact your GP or local Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.

PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND OUR PRACTICE if you have any of the symptoms above – please call our team on 9592 2177 to advise. We offer telehealth consulting so you can remain in direct contact with your cardiologist when you cannot attend.

Other measures we are taking include:

Increased cleaning regimes throughout the day

Cashless payments only

Requesting that you call us from the car upon arrival so you can be advised when you can enter

Asking you to attend alone (where appropriate) to reduce numbers in the practice